Author Archives: Site Administrator
How Federal Conspiracy Charges Pull High-Net-Worth Individuals Into Cases
This guide is specifically written for corporate executives, founders, and investors who need to understand how peripheral involvement in a complex business transaction or portfolio company can suddenly expose them to sweeping federal criminal liability. Whether you are currently under investigation or proactively seeking strategies on how to beat a federal conspiracy charge, this… Read More »
Prediction Market Insider Trading: What Federal Charges Look Like After United States v. Van Dyke
Following the landmark indictment in United States v. Van Dyke, federal charges for insider trading in prediction markets now mirror traditional white-collar prosecutions, utilizing a combination of wire fraud, commodities fraud, and the “misappropriation theory” to penalize the use of nonpublic information. Federal prosecutors and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have signaled that… Read More »
NYC Gender-Motivated Violence Act
The New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) is a civil rights law that allows survivors of gender-based violence (e.g., sexual assault, domestic violence, or human trafficking) to sue their attackers and the institutions that enabled them for financial damages in civil court. Unlike a criminal case, which focuses on jail time, a GMVA… Read More »
2026 GMVA Lookback Window in NYC: What Survivors Need to Know
The New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) is a local law that has existed since 2000, designed to allow survivors of “crimes of violence motivated by gender” to pursue civil lawsuits against their perpetrators. Effective January 29, 2026, New York City Bill 1297-A significantly strengthened this act by reopening a legal door for… Read More »
Tech Addiction Lawsuit: Can Social Media Companies Be Held Liable?
A potentially seismic trial is currently underway right now: Meta and Youtube are facing a jury for the first time over allegations that they deliberately engineered addiction in children’s brains and the verdict could open the floodgates for over 1,500 similar lawsuits. As someone who has built a career trying high-stakes cases and seeking… Read More »
State vs. Federal RICO in New York: How the Laws Differ
If you’re facing a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) investigation or indictment in New York, understanding whether you’re being prosecuted under federal law or state conspiracy law can mean the difference between mounting an effective defense and walking into a courtroom unprepared. While federal prosecutors can charge violations of the RICO Act (18… Read More »
United States of America v. Peter “Clyde” Hall
A Word from Jason Goldman The case of United States v. Peter Clyde Hall stands as a striking example of how federal prosecutors in Manhattan pursue even the most unexpected defendants with relentless rigor. The Hall case resonated as both a cautionary tale of how charismatic figures can leverage reputation for criminal gain and… Read More »
People of the State of New York v. Jordan Williams
A Word from Jason Goldman In June 2023, 20-year-old Jordan Williams found himself at the center of a fierce discussion about self-defense, public safety, and justice in New York City. Riding on a Brooklyn J train, Williams and his girlfriend were confronted by Devictor Ouedraogo, a 36-year-old man who was harassing various passengers and… Read More »
Pardon vs Commutation: What’s the Difference?
Feature Pardon Commutation Primary Goal Forgiveness for the crime. Reduction of the penalty. Timing Typically granted after a sentence is served (usually a 5-year waiting period). Typically granted while the person is still serving their sentence. Legal Effect Restores most civil rights (voting, jury duty, holding office). Does not restore civil rights. Criminal Record… Read More »
How to Get a Federal Pardon: Process, Application, and Requirements
The President has exclusive constitutional authority to grant pardons for federal offenses. The President cannot pardon state criminal offenses. If seeking clemency for a state conviction, you must formally apply through your state’s specific clemency process (e.g., contacting the Governor or state board of pardons and paroles). The pardon power derives from Article II,… Read More »